Change-makers in focus

Unlocking workforce potential with language

How we help:

ArcelorMittal partnered with us to design and deliver a bespoke language training program, to widen access to training and leadership development opportunities, and enable efficient communication for all employees. Digital delivery enabled 24/7 learning anywhere, on a range of smart devices, in multiple languages.

Innovating today for a better tomorrow

As the largest steel manufacturer in the Americas, Europe, and Africa, ArcelorMittal is committed to producing sustainable steels, using innovative and environmentally friendly processes. A culture of innovation among its more than 190,000 employees worldwide is key to achieving this ambitious goal.

"Hult EF often travels to meet with key local HR people in our major plants. It feels like a local, tailor-made approach but one that also benefits from having a global contract and resources."

Vice President Resourcing, Leadership Development and Learning

The Challenge

At ArcelorMittal, low levels of English presented a development barrier for individuals and the business, with opportunities lost through a lack of collaboration, poor knowledge transfer, and low levels of global talent in leadership roles.

A critical need for language and intercultural communication training was identified by a senior executive at a gathering of the top 300 leaders, where communication was made possible only with interpreters – a real barrier to business success. The organization wanted a global learning initiative that was designed to agreed business outcomes, easily measurable, and understood by a global audience.

In a bid to drive inclusiveness and wider business success, the company was also keen to embed language training opportunities at a local unit level. This would give many employees the chance to learn a language and positively influence decision-making at a regional level.

In this case study, we explore how English proficiency has led to measurable competency improvements and better productivity at ArcelorMittal.

Improving language proficiency for better productivity

Our impact

We worked closely with ArcelorMittal to create industry-specific online training modules and bespoke classroom content for learners with urgent and specific needs. This ensured the courses were relevant to the learner and delivered rapid results in their role. Depending on the participant’s needs, they were given a tailored course recommendation, with access to our agile online language school, EF English Live Business, and supported through self-study and small group/private sessions. With advanced digital functionality, the learning platform is accessible 24/7 around the globe, including live trainer access on-demand, on a range of smart devices, in multiple languages. We also created an English proficiency scale against which employees could be measured and given individualized support to help them on their personal growth journey. This enabled the needs assessments of more than 11,000 members of the workforce to be carried out, ensuring employees joined the right course. The program successfully helped thousands of ArcelorMittal employees to improve their English levels, and as a result has been extended to the families of employees - making a change for their lives too. The overall global all-time average progression shows that employees moved from A2 level to B1, which means many are now eligible for further development.

Language proficiency = increased productivity

Better English proficiency has led to measurable improvements in employee competence, with 93% of learners reporting higher productivity.

Cost-effective learning

Overall English training costs have been reduced by 75% compared with a previous provider, with better results and satisfaction ratings.

Inclusive and accessible learning

The latest cohort of leadership development participants was the most diverse, with only 6% from a native English language background.

Language proficiency = increased productivity

Better English proficiency has led to measurable improvements in employee competence, with 93% of learners reporting higher productivity.

Inclusive and accessible learning

The latest cohort of leadership development participants was the most diverse, with only 6% from a native English language background.

Cost-effective learning

Overall English training costs have been reduced by 75% compared with a previous provider, with better results and satisfaction ratings.

See our work in action

We have helped more than 3,000 organizations, from large multinational companies, to governments, to public sector businesses, to charities. Our capacity to deliver customized programs at scale makes us the provider of choice for global businesses and governments.

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Unlocking workforce potential with language

Improving language proficiency for better productivity

Our impact

Language proficiency = increased productivity

Cost-effective learning

Inclusive and accessible learning

Language proficiency = increased productivity

Inclusive and accessible learning

Cost-effective learning

See our work in action

We are here to help

Contact us

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